Pakistanis React to Mashal Khan’s Murder Case Verdict

On 13th April 2017, an angry mob shot and brutally killed 23-year-old Mashal Khan at Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan. About 57 individuals were arrested and presented before an anti-terrorist court in Haripur over their involvement in the student’s murder.

After the passage of almost a year, today, a verdict in this case has been announced by Justice Fazal-e-Subhan Khan at Haripur Central Jail.

The Verdict

According to the verdict, the prime suspect involved in the murder of Mashal, Imran Ali, has been given the death sentence. 5 of his accomplices have been jailed for 25 years each. Another 25 have been jailed for four years each while 26 individuals haven been cleared of the case without any punishment.

The defence lawyers say that the verdict of the court will be challenged on Thursday.

Over on social media, many people reacted as the judgement become official. Some were satisfied with the proceedings of the case, while others were dismayed for various reasons.

Here’s how Pakistani Twitter users responded to the court’s judgement:

Imran Khan, whose party rules KPK, had this to say about the judgement:

After court verdict on Mashal case, KP police has once again shown it's professionalism by bringing a murderous mob under the ambit of the law. This is the first time in Pakistan where police has been successful in bringing the main accused plus other mob mbrs to justice.

Aimal Iqbal, brother of #MashalKhan reacts to court decision. “The decision once again proves Mashal was innocent, we welcome the punishments & will consult with the leagal team about those who got acquitted”. #Blasphemypic.twitter.com/RbLXO1Wxrd

That's something to be appreciated but 26 released suspects should also be given exemplary punishment. KP govt decided to appeal against the released suspects. Anxiously waiting for the further development. #Mashalkhanhttps://t.co/oKFl9FXO2i

It is indeed the first time that a complete mob of people has been brought under the court of law for taking the law into their own hands. The judgement was indeed a step in the right direction but we will have to wait and see if any other mobsters will come under the rule of law after the defendants appeals against the current decision.

Are you satisfied with the court’s judgment? Let us know in the comments below.